Hello All, Grace and Peace Be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

I came across this news story and thought I had better share it. It is wonderful what this Church is doing. I pray it will spread like a pandemic. GOD Bless You! May GOD help you all to walk more in the SPIRIT and less in the flesh.

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

I want you all to know first, that my friend had a baby boy! His name is Joshua James! We were able to go see baby and mama, and they both are great! He is so adorable...but Joshua definitely has a set of lungs!! LOL! I am so happy for the family. What a joy...a sweet bundle of joy! Praise GOD for the gift of children! :-D

I do have a prayer request... my husband and I are trying again to have a baby on our own. We have been going to the fertility doctor here for a few years. The doctor found out that my thyroid were producing antibodies and attacking my wee ones, causing a miscarriage. Last March, I had the thyroid removed, and to our surprise it had cancer in it! Can you believe that? I was walking around with cancer and did not have a clue, but praise GOD HE led me to the fertility doctor. WHEW!!! It was removed, there were no signs of spreading...PRAISE GOD! Then in January, I had fybroids removed from my womanly region.

Two weeks ago, I had my first appointment with the doctor since my surgeries, and he said the nest step is to do artificial insemination to get me pregnant, now that I am older, it is hard for me to achieve pregnancy. I am a little scared, but I am giving it to GOD! Also, we just found out that our insurance will not pay for the procedure. BUMMER!!! BUT...We are believing in faith that GOD will provide!

Again, I want to shout out a huge CONGRATS to my family in CHRIST for the birth of their brand new son.

Thank you for the prayers! GOD Bless you all! May GOD strengthen your relationship and draw you closer to HIM!

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

I want to say to you all...HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

This is a time to reflect on those who have so bravely given of their lives for AMERICA. I pray for each and every one of you who has lost someone in battle, in past wars, or the one presently being fought. If you have lost someone, may GOD be right where you are to comfort you with your heavy heart. GOD Bless You!

In honor of Memorial Day I want to leave you this prayer written by, Rev. Dick Kozelka,(ret) of First Congregational Church of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN.

Eternal God,Creator of years, of centuries,Lord of whatever is beyond time,Maker of all species and master of all history --How shall we speak to youfrom our smallness and inconsequence?Except that you have called us to worship youin spirit and in truth;You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses.Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling[though we sometimes feel that low]and without fear[though we are often anxious].We sing with spirit and pray with couragebecause you have dignified us;You have redeemed us from the aimlessnessof things' going meaninglessly well.God, lift the hearts of thosefor whom this holiday is not just diversion,but painful memory and continued deprivation.Bless those whose dear ones have diedneedlessly, wastefully [as it seems]in accident or misadventure.We remember with compassion those who have diedserving their countriesin the futility of combat.There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,when all the answers we are offeredfail the question death asks of each of us.We believe that you will provide for usas others have been provided with the fulfillment of"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Thank you Rev. Kozelka for this sweet prayer, may it touch the hearts of many.

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.

I have been in the mood to praise GOD all day with song, and I have had this one song on my heart all day. I just love it...I hope you all will love it too! Raise your hands to the heavens and just sing to HIM! GOD loves it when HIS people praise HIM! GOD Bless You!

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from JESUS CHRIST our LORD and SAVIOR.

This is for the one I married...the one who has my heart...the one I will follow all the days of my life, the one I will be there for, serving him as the head of my household. I gladly submit to you my darling...you are soooo worth it! GOD bless you!

What is a MILITARY Wife?

They may look different and each is wonderfully unique, but this is what they have in common:

Lots of moving...

Moving.

Moving.

Moving far from home.

Moving cars, kids and pets----all riding with... HER of course.

Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house.

Moving curtains that won't fit.

Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.

Moving away from friends, moving toward new friends.

Moving her most important luggage; her trunkful of memories.

Often waiting...

Waiting, waiting, waiting for housing; waiting for orders; waiting for deployment; waiting for reunion; waiting for phones calls; Waiting for the new curtains to arrive; waiting for him to come home for dinner----AGAIN!

They call her 'military dependent', but she knows better.

She can balance a checkbook.

Handle the yard work.

Fix a noisy toilet.

She is intimately familiar with drywall, anchors, and toggle bolts.

She can file the taxes, sell a house, buy a car, or set up a move, all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.

Reinvents her career with every PCS; locates a house in the desert, the arctic, or the deep south and learns to call them all 'home'.

She MAKES them all home.

She is fiercely IN-dependent.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty.

They leap into decorating, leadership, volunteering, career alternatives, churches and friendships.

They don't have 15 years to get to know people.

Their roots are short but flexible.

They plant annuals for themselves and Perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other.

They connect over coffee, rely on the spouse-network, accept offers of friendship and favors, and record addresses in pencil.

Military Wives have a common bond.

The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands, his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a job, he has a 'mission' he can't just decide to quit. He's on-call for his country 24/7 but for you, he's the most unreliable guy in town!

His language is foreign: TDY, PCS, MOS, FOB, ACU, and so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.

She is the long-distance link to keep them informed the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:

She wants to wring his neck, dye his uniform pink, and refuse to move to Siberia...

But... she pulls herself together.

Give her a few days, a travel brochure, a long hot bath, a pledge to the flag, and a wedding picture...

And she goes.

She packs.

She moves.

She follows.

Why?

What for?

How come?

You may think it is because she has lost her mind...

But actually, it is because she has lost her heart.

It was stolen from her by a man...

Who puts duty first.

Who longs to deploy.

Who salutes the flag.

And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military husband...

She will remain his Military wife.Praise GOD for my Military Husband...I will follow you all the days of my life, and I will do whatever GOD calls me to do, and to be the wife HE has created me to be for you.This is my promise to you my love!

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,

Well, I do hope the Voice of the Martyrs blessed each and every one of you. I want to share what the LORD spoke to me after reading about personal sacrifice.

As I was praying yesterday, I told GOD (with much emotion) that I wanted to sacrifice for HIM, no matter what! Down any road, at any cost! As I read about my brothers and sisters sacrificing much, I too want to have that kind of heart. Not that I want to seek out someone to persecute me, but if it comes, I want to stand faithfully for the LORD no matter what.

The LORD said to me, " You say you want to sacrifice out there in the world for me, but you will not even sacrifice for your very own husband? How can I trust you in much if you are not faithful in little?" OUCH!!! That hurt, but because it is true. I saw myself for the first time as a very selfish wife who has whined to get her own way, while my husband sacrifices so much for me. He wants me to be happy, so he just allows me to have my way. I do not act like that every time, but I see where I have been soooo selfish. I love my husband, I do not want to be decay to his bones as it is written in the WORD.

You see, our tour here in Belgium is almost over, and I am ready to go back to the States, while he is loving it here and wants to stay. We have been here almost six years and I feel it has been long enough overseas, but again, he really loves it here. He has to make a decision if he will reenlist or become a Government worker, or totally get out and become a civilian working a normal 9-5. He has recently said that he might have a chance to stay another 3 years here in Belgium if he can not find any work in the US. So, I immediately got upset and ranted about the long, dark, dreary, winters here, the car care battles, language barrier, and the prejudices here against Americans.

GOD has had me in "How to be a Biblical wife 101" for about a year now, and HE is a very good teacher! He revealed to me last year that because I witnessed my dad belittle my mom, abuse her physically, mentally, and emotionally, unbeknownst to me, Satan had placed a stronghold within me. As a wife, whenever I thought my husband was starting an argument, I would not let him get very far before my claws were out and I was attacking back and standing my ground. Watching my dad made me fight back with my own husband before I really even knew what was really going on. I just did not want to be pushed around like my mom, but I did not even realize I did that at all. (I am better now, but it has taken a lot to get here. Praise GOD for loving me enough to tell me. HE told me through reading a book called " Victory over the Darkness, by Neal Anderson.)I love this book, and I recommend it to everyone. Especially those who need healing from past hurts.

So, this week, GOD has had me really thinking of my husband and all his great qualities. I am very fortunate to have him. GOD has spoken to me and I am going to listen. I will not fight him on this, if we stay, we will stay. All I really want is for GOD'S will to be done in my life. I am so thankful that HE is helping me to be a better wife... A Biblical Wife...A wife Faithful to GOD!

You know, it is not really about me against Randy, what we need to do is pray for each other and come together to serve GOD as one! One In GOD, One In Unity in HIM, to become obedient in HIS will...together.

As I think of it all, it really is not sacrifice when you do it with love! I honestly have peace in this now. GOD still continues to help me sacrifice myself daily for HIM! The flesh can be strong, but GOD is stronger!

May we all learn to live for CHRIST sacrificially no matter where we are and what we are doing. BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED! (I am writing this late in the night, I hope this article makes sense. LOL! )

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

I hope you all have been blessed by the devotions from The Voice of The Martyrs. GOD has really been convicting me of certain things in my life since reading the devotions. I hope there is a great awakening going on within you as well. I am going to leave you with one more tonight... Be Blessed!!

In Communist Romania, Churches were closed and Pastors arrested as part of a seven -year drive to "eliminate the nations of all superstition."

So when Brother Vasile and his wife began holding more Church meetings in their home, they knew it would not escape the attention of the government forever. Every evening Vasile prayed, "GOD, if you know of some prisoner who needs my help, send me back to jail." His wife shuddered while she mumbled a reluctant "amen".

Then they learned that one of the Church members' homes had been raided and copies of Vasile's sermons had been confiscated. They also learned that the assistant Pastor, their friend and coworker became an informant and had denounced Vasile.

It was 1 a.m. when the police raided the little apartment and placed Vasile under arrest. As they handcuffed him, Vasile said, "I won't leave here peacefully unless you allow me a few minutes to embrace my wife." The police reluctantly agreed. They would have their way soon enough.

The couple held each other, prayed, and sang with such emotion that even the captain was moved. Finally they escorted him out to a police van with Vasile's wife tearfully running after them. Vasile turned and called out his last words before disappearing for many years, "Give all my love to our son and the Pastor who denounced me."

Extreme betrayal requires extreme forgiveness. If our enemies come against us with such ferocity, should we not be as generous with hour act of forgiveness? When our enemy stoops low enough to denounce us, ought we not reach higher to find the willingness to forgive them? JESUS taught us that forgiving evil is for our own good. Deep betrayal can cause us to close our hearts to our own experience of forgiveness. If you find yourself being stingy in the forgiveness department, you will experience a meager sense of release from your own sins. Being betrayed is bad enough. Becoming bitter is a defeat you cannot afford. To whom do you need to offer extravagant forgiveness today?

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,

Today's devotion from The Voice of the Martyrs is about a small gift given that had a huge impact and a life was changed.

"What is it?" Soviet captain Marco snarled at the young boy. "What do you want?"

The boy, only twelve, swallowed his fear as he stood before the Communist officer. "Captain, you are the man who put my parents in prison. Today is my mother's birthday, and I always buy her a flower for her birthday."

"Since my mother taught me to love my enemies and to reward evil with good, I have brought the flower instead for the mother of your children. Please take it home to your wife tonight, and tell her about my love and love of CHRIST."

Captain Marco, who had watched unmoved as Christians had been unmercifully beaten and tortured, was stunned at the act of love of this boy. His tears fell as he slowly walked around the desk and grabbed the boy in a fatherly embrace. Marco's heart was changed by the gift of CHRIST's LOVE. He could no longer arrest and torture Christians, and soon he himself was arrested.

Only months after the boy's visit to his office, Marco slumped in a filthy prison cell surrounded by some of the same Christians he had previously arrested and tortured. He tearfully told his cellmates of the young boy and the simple gift of a flower. He considered it an honor to share a cell with those he had previously hunted and attacked.

Generosity is second nature to the believer. JESUS taught that others would recognize real believers by their demonstration of love, and not just for those who love us in return. Oftentimes, generosity toward strangers and even enemies is the best application of JESUS' teachings. Witnesses to our acts, if not the recipients themselves, are befuddled at the sight. Imagine a wounded Christian worker who prays for the boss who unjustly fired him or her. Picture the impact of grieving parents who give the gift of forgiveness to a drunk driver. The world doesn't understand generosity. However, it is affected by it all the time. We find we are never more like GOD HIMSELF as when we give generously to others. GOD gave HIS only SON to demonstrate HIS LOVE for the world and purchase our salvation. What could you give today that might open someones heart to GOD's KINGDOM?

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,

The Voice of the Martyrs devotion is about EXTREME READINESS...

Just as Pastor Li Dexian began his sermon, the doors of the house Church burst open. Armed officers of the Chinese Public Security Bureau poured into the room, threatening everyone present and grabbing Li to arrest him.

"Wait, please allow me to grab my bag." As always, the Pastor's tone with the officers was polite yet firm.

The officers were surprised at the request. "What's in there?" they demanded, grabbing the black zippered bag Li held and ripping it open. The bag contained a blanket and a change of clothes, Li told them, because he had been expecting to be arrested that day.

Pastor Li had been arrested many times. Twice, police had beaten him to the point that he vomited blood, and one time Li's face was beaten with his own BIBLE. Li was warned that police were watching the village where he held his Tuesday meeting. He knew if he showed up to preach, he would be imprisoned. Today, Chinese citizens can be sent to labor camps for up to three years without a formal trial.

The risks were great, but Li's bag was packed. More than having a bag packed... he had his mind and heart prepared. He was willing to pay any cost to preach the gospel. He was convinced GOD would care for him...even in prison.

Readiness is a sign of commitment. Commitment that is unprepared to sacrifice is merely compromise in disguise. For example, consider the marriage commitment. It costs one's selfishness and deals a heavy blow to one's sense of independence. However, the result is a stronger marriage. Relationships that are not ready to sacrifice for the sake of commitment do not last. Compromise takes a steady toll and weakens our desire and ability to be committed. In the same way, the believer's commitment to CHRIST must exact a price in order to maintain its value. We must prepare for the test of our commitment by daily affirming that Christianity is worth it. It's worth spending our time in daily prayer. It's worth gathering for worship at Church. It's worth enduring hardship and trial, abuse, and even arrest for the privilege of maintaining our commitment without compromise. Are you ready my friends?

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,

"Will you choose to live or die? What do you say?"The questioner was Henry VIII, the king of England, who had unrestrained power in the land. The "criminal" who stood before him, charged with heresy, was John Lambert, a Greek and Latin tutor.

Lambert audaciously challenged his pastor for delivering a sermon that didn't agree with Scripture. Lambert was brought before the archbishop of Canterbury and later before King Henry. Quoting from the Scriptures and explaining the original Greek. Lambert presented his case to an assembly of bishops, lawyers, justices, and peers. The two sides argued strenuously back and forth until Henry, bored with it , presented Lambert with a final choice: "After all the reasons and instructions of these knowledgeable men, are you now satisfied? Will you choose to live or die? What do you say?

Lambert took a deep breath and answered confidently, "I commend my soul to the hands of GOD, but my body I give to your clemency."

"You must die, "Henry answered scornfully, "for I will not be a patron to heretics." Convicted of heresy, Lambert was unbowed in his slow, torturous death. He lifted up his hands in worship, declaring, "None but CHRIST! None but CHRIST!"

In the modern age of possibilities, our right to choose has grown nearly insatiable. Two hundred television channels are a "basic" right, tantamount to freedom itself. We want options. Variety. Assortment. Even Mundane decisions are delivered daily to your doorstep: what to wear, eat, drive, or do. However, our choices are no longer utilitarian, they are virtually limitless. In contrast, when life's greater questions come to us, we have only answer to give: "None but CHRIST." Is there another way to HEAVEN? None but CHRIST...HE IS THE WAY. Is there another priority in life that deserves one's full devotion? NONE BUT CHRIST...HE IS SUPREME. Can someone else satisfy the longing of the human heart? NONE BUT CHRIST can satisfy. Truth has no alternative. When life's greater questions come, and they will, are you prepared to testify that of all the possibilities "NONE BUT CHRIST" will satisfy? What will you choose?

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,

I am posting this article from "The Voice of the Martyrs" in honor of a VOM worker known as "Alexander" and for others who willingly give of themselves to the point of death. GOD Bless you all as you walk in the midst of your mission field.

This article really touched my heart! I know it is lengthy, but worth the read! May it bless you as it has blessed me.

We hear the stories of those who have been killed for their faith and we can become angry. We want those responsible brought to justice, however, Matthew 5:44 says, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." What is the role of the church in winning our enemies to CHRIST? How do we practice this "LOVE"?

Our founder, Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, always spoke of the need to love one's enemies. While speaking at a pro-life rally, Rev. Wurmbrand applauded those willing to stand up for the life of the unborn. He also asked if the protesters had invited the abortion doctors into their homes and cooked them a nice meal.

In Columbia, a VOM co-worker recently reached out a to a guerrilla commander with extreme kindness. His story may be controversial. Some may feel the mission worker is guilty of aiding and abetting a terrorist. His response would be that the BIBLE teaches us to "overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21)

"Alexander" has been called to reach out to the FARC guerrillas in Columbia. Along with his co-workers, he frequently travels to very dangerous areas to distribute Bibles and Christian books, including those by Rev. Wurmbrand. Alexander has been shot at, threatened with execution, and has had his workers kidnapped.

On a recent trip through a guerrilla camp, guerrillas told him, "Our commander can no longer walk and lives with unbearable pain. We have been carrying him on a stretcher for days. We would like for you to help him and return him to us."

It would have been easy for Alexander, who had been intimidated, harassed and threatened by guerrillas, to say, "Good, a commander cannot walk, that's great for me." But Alexander saw it another way. He agreed to take the commander , Leonardo, home with him. He took home a man who presided over dozens of guerrillas, who landed his top position by killing, kidnapping and causing general havoc. Alexander put this injured man in his son's room. He gave the commander food and clothes, and took him to Christian doctors.

Doctors discovered Leonardo had multiple hernias in his back that were cutting into his nervous system. A specialized surgery was required to relieve his pain. Alexander was determined to help Leonardo get well. Most people would struggle to help their friendly neighbor in such a way, yet Alexander was willing to help Leonardo. It was more than the guerrillas could ever do for him.

Abandoned by his single mom and forced to live with an uncle, Leonardo was known as a "troubled kid". At age 12, Leonardo burned down a neighbor's house with a young girl still inside. His uncle, also a guerrilla, thought giving Leonardo to the guerrillas was a good thing. The youngster seemed to have the aptitude for aggression required for a new recruit and the training might give him some discipline.

Leonardo proved to be ruthless. He had no issues with assassinations and kidnappings. And he knew how to obey orders no matter how violent or dangerous. At age 20, Leonardo became a guerrilla commander. A few years later, he was appointed to oversee an exclusive unit assigned to protect the top guerrilla leaders.

It took over a month for Alexander to get Leonardo the surgery, followed by five months of recovery. During that time Alexander's family took care of the ailing guerrilla commander. His wife cooked his meals, and his son showed him how to play video games. They all shared Christmas and their faith in Christ with him.

When Alexander gave him a present at their family Christmas gathering, Leonardo began to cry. "I have never been to a Christmas gathering, and no one has ever given me a present. And I have nothing to give you." Alexander told him, "Having you here as a part of our family is your gift to us."

Shortly after Christmas, it was time for Leonardo to go back to the guerrilla camp, but before going back, he set a three-day speaking tour for Alexander through a number of different guerrilla camps. These were camps Alexander would have never had access to without someone like Leonardo. With Leonardo now serving as his personal bodyguard, Alexander was free to enter these camps and preach as much as he wanted. Even if the other guerrillas were upset, they did not protest because of Leonardo.

Alexander was also able to pray with many of the guerrillas and distribute Bibles and VOM literature. Leonardo has not accepted CHRIST as of this writing, but has certainly been moved by the love of those often considered to be his enemy. Leonardo considered not returning to the guerrilla camps, but not returning risked Alexander's life and that of his family's.

Christians working in hostile and restricted nations face unique challenges, and it takes boldness and tenacity...an extreme devotion to build GOD'S KINGDOM among the persecutors. Some workers have been spared, while others have paid with the ultimate price. May we take courage in their boldness and share in their love of CHRIST.

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

Today's Voice of the Martyrs devotion is about being an "Extreme Missionary".

"If you promise to carry your cross, it will be a life full of thorns, mountains, and difficulties," the Pakistani teenager said in a firm voice. Saleema, a Christian who lives in Muslim-dominated Pakistan, shared her faith with a schoolmate, Raheela, who later accepted CHRIST.

Raheela's incensed family charged Saleema with "converting a Muslim," a charge that can carry the death penalty in Pakistan. Saleema and her Pastor were arrested, and her parents were questioned and beaten by police. Saleema was abused while in police custody, but she would not deny her faith. In fact, she softly sang Christian songs in jail, hoping to draw others to CHRIST.

Raheela fled her home, but her family hunted her down. When they offered her a final chance to recant her faith and return to Mohammed, she refused. For her "crime", her own family executed Raheela.

Saleema went through lengthy court hearings. Raheela's family blamed her for their daughter's death. Eventually the charges were dropped. But Saleema's life will never be the same. She was forced to move to another part of Pakistan for fear of radical Muslims killing her. Yet the thorns, mountains, and difficulties have not dimmed her faith. In fact, she is preparing to serve as a missionary. She says, "No matter how big the mountain, JESUS will help you overcome!"

Missionaries are often mischaracterized as a sort of special forces, a unique troop in GOD'S army of faith which acts on our behalf. The truth is, every believer is called to be a missionary. Some of GOD'S most valuable work may take place around the kitchen table, having coffee, in a next door neighbor's house. The heart of our mission remains the same wherever our mission may take us. We are bound to share the love of CHRIST. For some, sharing their faith with their closest friends would be a personal feat of heroic proportions. For others, a variety of cultural contexts will form their mission field. The measure of our mission is not what is important. It is our motivation that counts. To what extreme are you willing to go to share the good news of CHRIST? Philemon 6 says, That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in CHRIST JESUS.

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you from our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!

Yesterday I posted an article from the "Voice of the Martyrs" devotions. The LORD has led me to post a few more over the next few days. I hope you will read for yourselves the stories of hardships our brothers and sisters have endured, and continue to endure to this very day in countries where being a Christian is a crime.

The following is taken from Voice of Martyrs...

"Tell him, Timothy, please!" shouted Maura, pleading with her husband. "Tell the governor where the SCRIPTURES are hidden and be free! I cannot bear to watch any more of this." Timothy and Maura, residents of the Roman province of Mauritania, had been married only a few short weeks before their arrest.

Maura had watched in horror as soldiers put out her husband's eyes with hot irons, trying to break his will. Now, hanging upside down with a weight around his neck on the orders of the Roman governor Arrianus, Timothy waited for his gag to be removed. The fear he initially felt at his arrest had been replaced with a sense of divine calm.

Instead of renouncing his faith and disclosing the location of his Church's copies of the SCRIPTURES, as the soldiers expected, Timothy scolded his young wife "Do not let your love for me come before your love for CHRIST," he urged Maura, affirming his willingness and determination to die for his SAVIOR. Seeing her husband's courage, Maura's own resolve was strengthened.

Arrianus, already in a rage at Timothy's refusal, set out to break Maura's newfound courage. He sentenced her to the harshest tortures of the Roman world. Yet she would not break. She refused to deny CHRIST.

After each had endured unspeakable suffering, Timothy and Maura were crucified, side by side.

JESUS did not entrust HIS ministry to independent believers, HE established a spiritual family. HE used words like "Brother" and "Sister" to convey the idea HE did not expect HIS disciples to be in this alone. Paul continued CHRIST'S mission by instructing new believers to gather in Churches for fellowship and corporate worship. Christians need each other, especially in times of trial. When one believer falters, fellow believers rally in support and encouragement. This is why the New Testament regards the duty of living by example of faith and courage can inspire and unite others to follow suit. Conversely, when one believer cracks under the pressure of persecution, it is easier for others to give in as well. History holds high the camaraderie of Christian community, especially during persecution.

I was reading in the "The Voice of The Martyrs" today and found a great piece I would like pass along to you. This article really spoke to my heart and I hope it speaks to you as well.

"The Voice of The Martyrs" is a magazine that tells the stories of Christian suffering in other countries. We have the freedom to worship, but in certain countries it is a crime to have a relationship with JESUS.

The following story is from Voice of The Martyrs...

Ranavalona 1, the queen of Madagascar, hated the Christians in her kingdom. Her complaints against them were many: they despised her idols, they were always praying, they always went to Church, and their women were chaste. She sent officers to gather all those suspected of being Christians to bring them to trial.

Sixteen hundred believers, when the charges were read, announced confidently, "Guilty." They would not deny the charges, for to do so would be to deny CHRIST. The Queen offered them a second chance to deny CHRIST and bow to her idols, but each refused. They were thrown into dark, dank dungeons, and many were executed. The Queen was angered more, because for each Christian she had killed, twenty more rose up. ( HA HA I love that! No one can get rid of GOD!!!)

Later, the Queen ordered that fifteen Christians be executed. They were to be thrown over a cliff into a rocky ravine 150 feet below. The Queen's idols were taken to the top of the cliff, and each Christian was lowered slightly over the edge, tied with ropes.

"Will you worship your CHRIST or the Queen's god's?" the soldiers asked each Christian hanging over the precipice.

Each Christian answered, simply, "CHRIST." The ropes were cut, and they plunged to the rocks. Some sang as they fell to their deaths. One young girl was spared and declared insane. She later founded a large Church. ( WOW!! I love that)

In most countries, defendants are presumed innocent until they are proven guilty. The underlying principle is that there must be a substantial amount of evidence to convict a person of a crime. Expressing one's faith in CHRIST is often a government offense in many countries where the roles of the justice system are reversed. Believers are guilty until proven otherwise. One would have to reject CHRIST in order to be innocent... in a human, earthly courtroom. However, in HEAVEN'S courtroom, the guilty verdict is actually a victory. "Extreme guilt" means providing so much evidence of one's faith in CHRIST that there is no way to be acquitted of the charge! The familiar paradox is worth repeating: IF YOU WERE ON TRIAL FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN TODAY, WOULD THERE BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU?????

MMMMMM?? I hope so friends!

A Vietnamese Christian Pastor imprisoned for his faith said this, "We have learned that suffering is not the worst thing in the world...disobedience to GOD is the worst. WOW!!! I hope this article blesses you as it has blessed me!

I want to thank you for the sweet responses for yesterdays post. I have felt GOD's love blanket over me through you. I am so in awe of HIS SWEET LOVE!

As I was laying down my burden from Sunday, The LORD recalled the story of Moses to my mind. Do you remember when Moses was a baby and his family tried to hide him from the soldiers who were ordered to kill every male child two years old and younger? After some time Moses became harder to hide from the soldiers, so his mom made him a little wicker basket and place her precious wee one inside and pushed it down into the reeds. As a mother how could she have just put him in the water like that? Well, I believe she had faith in GOD, and she trusted GOD completely with her burden.

Was it difficult for her to do that? Yes, I bet it was! It takes incredible faith to place your child into a basket and send it down stream into the unknown. Wow! That is faith my friends!

Well, we all know what happens, the baby is found by the Pharaoh's daughter, and she wanted him for her own, so she had Moses sister go get their mother to nurse him until he was at an age to be taken...and the mother got paid to nurse her own child...LOL!!! I just think that is great!

Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and he grew to be used by GOD to set the captives free from Egypt.

Wow! I wonder what GOD has in store for my children. What exciting things they will do in the name of GOD! I am so excited!!!!

It starts out first by trust...trusting in the ONE and ONLY TRUE LIVING GOD, who is waiting and ready to forgive sins of any who will cry out to HIM. If you have burdens, lay them in the basket and send them down the river of forgiveness for GOD to take care of. GO ahead, lay them down, and let GOD give you rest. Then watch out, there is always an adventure when you serve the LORD.

Whoever says that being a Christian is boring, certainly has never been a Christian!!! LOL!!

I am not sure if any of this makes sense to you all, but it is what is on my heart at this moment. LOL!!

Yesterday, I had one of those emotional days where all I wanted to do was cry. I felt like a big baby, but I have to back up on the story for you to understand.

My husband and I have always wanted children, ever since our wedding almost 14 years ago. A few months after our wedding day, we found out we were pregnant, and we were so excited, but the excitement was short-lived, because I had a miscarriage. We were so devastated. With our hearts broken, we placed our trust in GOD, and decided to trek on, not letting the loss of our child, keep us drowning in the mire of despair.

Our journey to have a child continued, and with every new pregnancy, came a miscarriage. Nothing the doctors did would help my helpless babes. After 9 miscarriages, and many tests, nothing showed as to what was wrong with my body, all I knew was that my body was a death trap for my wee ones, and my heart was broken.

I have been pregnant a total of 11 times, but no live births, and again, we place our trust in GOD for comfort. We trust GOD with our lives, and though I do not fully understand it all, I know HE would not do this to me on purpose to be mean, there is a reason and I will understand it all one day.

We decided that adoption could be a way for us to grow our family. We investigated all possibilities and decided to do a private adoption. GOD led us to our first child Brandon. We adopted him at birth. What a joy it was when we drove home from the hospital that day.

He is almost 7 now, and is so enthusiastic for life. I am proud to be his mom. Then the LORD led us to Alyssa. She is almost 14 now, and has been in our family for little over a year. We are so happy to have these two wonderful children. They are a true blessing from ABOVE.

The military led us to Belgium. We are living in the best place for fertility, Belgium has the best experts over here. Do you think this is a coincidence? I think NOT! It is a GOD-INCIDENCE! I had been to the specialist and found out that my thyroid was creating antibodies, and they were attacking the fetus as if it were the flu, killing all my babies.

Last year, I had my thyroid removed, this year, I had fybroids removed. We are at a time where we can try again to have a baby on our own. YIPEEE!!!

OK, now onto my emotional Mother's Day!

Last week I was late on my monthly visitor, and I became so excited to think I was pregnant again, and this time, I might carry to full term! I waited until yesterday morning to test, and it said "NOT PREGNANT"! I was so hurt! I really thought I was pregnant! My friendly visitor arrived yesterday afternoon, and all I kept asking GOD was, "Why?" "Why on Mother's Day?" I was so emotional, I cried the whole day.

Then GOD whispered to me, "Do not be upset over the child you do not have, and celebrate the two you do have." I was taken aback! Wow! How could I let myself be dragged emotionally like that! The enemy is so sneaky! I have 2 amazing children, and if they are all I have, then I trust GOD with that. I know HE knows what is best for me in my life, plus, as a friend reminded me last night, GOD HAS A BETTER YES COMING.

I sometimes try to understand what GOD's plans are, but I believe, it is better to just simply trust, and obey. In 1 Samuel beginning in chapter 1, Hannah was married to a man named Elkanah. Elkanah had another wife too, her name was Peninnah. As Hannah was struggling to have children, Peninnah who had children, made fun of Hannah who could not. I Samuel 1:6 says, And her adversary (Peninnah) also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. I Samuel 1:10 says, And she (Hannah)was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

I understand the bitterness of soul, though I do not physically have anyone tearing me down due to my infertility, I have an adversary the devil who torments me. Yesterday, the battle was on in my mind, and I had to take those thoughts captive to the obedience of CHRIST. It was hard, and at times I was listening to the enemy, until I realized they were lies! I know what the WORD says, so I was able to catch his lies. Praise GOD!

In the morning as soon as I read the results of the test, my soul went bitter. It immediately turned my excitement into bitterness. I did not want to attend Church, and I did not want to be around any one else, but I fought it and went. I am happy I did because, as I listened to the Pastor talk about Hannah, I looked up and began to cry. I knew GOD was talking straight to me. You see, Hannah went to the Temple to pray to GOD about her need for a child, and when she was done, she left her burden there with GOD. She trusted GOD! 1 Samuel 1:18 says, And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. That is what I needed to do. I did go forward to pray, and I did feel a bit better, but I did not lay it totally down until this morning, but I did lay it down.

Today, I am doing much better! GOD is so wonderful! I am so glad that HE is the lover of my soul!

In recognition of Mother's Day, I want to leave this wonderful video! GOD Bless You! Remember, we need to train up our children in the way they should go and when they are older they will not depart from it. GOD has given us an awesome responsibility to teach the children so that the next generation will know of our WONDERFUL GOD!

Last month, my family and I visited a concentration camp here in Belgium. It was a tour that left my heart broken for the people who endured the horror of the camp. I posted about it on April 21, of last month. If you would like to take a look, I posted pictures and information about Fort Breendonk concentration camp.

Since that time, I have been looking into the other camps. I came across this documentary video on Auschwitz death camp. I was excited to have found this video, until I realized his peace was on how the Holocaust was the biggest hoax in history. I was shocked, and then I became very upset and shut him off!

I could not believe this guy would say such things. He said there is no real proof that the Holocaust took place. Is he kidding? The German's were meticulous about their documents. Everything was documented! Yes, some were destroyed, but much is still around. There are several black and white video recordings of the malnourished prisoner's, with their black and white prison clothes on. Not to mention the survivor accounts.

I know that there are many people out there that believe that it was all a big lie, but I say this to them..."TELL THAT TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO WERE TORTURED AND KILLED!"

There was a bottle with a mysterious message that was found in a wall at Auschwitz. The message was traced to a man by the name of Waclaw Sobczak, a Polish Auschwitz Concentration death Camp survivor, who claims to of written the message and placed it in the wall 65 years ago. He tells the story behind the message...Here is the link to the story.

Many people died during the Holocaust, and many survived, let us all be sensitive to those who actually lived through that nightmare. If you are one that believes it never happened, there is plenty of evidence to prove otherwise, do your research, talk to these people who lived it, get their accounts, and read their stories. If not, you're missing out on the truth, and being rude to the very people who were there!

A DC airport ticket agent offers some examples of some people who walk among us:

1. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window. (On an airplane!)

2. I got a call from a candidate's staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown. While I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, she interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make her look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa.'' Her response - click.

3. A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, 'Don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!'' (Oh my goodness!!)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife who asked, ''Is it possible to see England from Canada?'' I said, ''No.'' She said, ''But they look so close on the map.'' (Oh my goodness, again!!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas.. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?'' I said, 'No, why do you ask?' She replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight. I think that's very rude!'' After putting her on hold for a minute, while I looked into it. (I was dying laughing.) I came back and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is (FAT - Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

8. A Senator's aide called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii . After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California , and then take the train to Hawaii?''

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?'' I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes have numbers on them.''

10. A lady Senator called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola , Florida. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?'' I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane. She said, ''Yeah, whatever, smarty!''

11. A senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him that he needed a visa. 'Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those.'' I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, ''Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12. A New Mexico Congress woman called to make> reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York.'' I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?'' ''Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the lady. After some searching, I came back with, ''I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere.'' The lady retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!'' So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, ''You don't mean Buffalo, do you?'' The reply? ''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.''

YES, THEY WALK AMONG US, ARE IN POLITICS RUNNING OUR GOVERNMENT, AND THEY CONTINUE TO BREED!

According to Web MD, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has reported as of May 7, 2009, 109 people have been infected in the US. Here are the cases per area...

New York: 50 cases

Texas: 26 cases (including one death yesterday)

California: 14 cases

South Carolina: 10 cases

Kansas: 2 cases

Massachusetts: 2 cases

Arizona: 1 case

Indiana: 1 case

Michigan: 1 case

Nevada: 1 case

Ohio: 1 case

There are 257 cases worldwide. Here are the confirmed cases per country...

USA:109 cases (including one death)

Mexico: 97 cases (including 7 deaths)

Canada: 19 cases

Spain: 13 cases

UK: 8 cases

Germany: 3 cases

New Zealand: 3 cases

Israel: 2 cases

Austria: 1 case

Netherlands: 1 case

Switzerland: 1 case

My prayer is that you all will educate yourself, and then heed the facts. Take care everyone and be safe! Pray for these people who are suffering, and ask GOD to help contain this disease. People are dying from this, we all need to be praying that these folks have turned and trusted in the SAVIOR JESUS! Life is not a guarentee, but death certainly is, let's not allow our fellow man to die in sin. Tell anyone who will listen about our SAVIOR!

I want to shout out a prayer request for a brother in CHRIST. He is an American soldier in Afghanistan. He had his Church back in the States send him Bibles in the languages spoken in Afghanistan. He was trying to witness to the locals over there. Yes, illegal in the country, yes, it violates the Status Of Forces Agreement, and yet, he was totally obedient to our GOD and FATHER.

He was caught and the American Military had to confiscate and destroy all his Bibles. I know our brother is in deep trouble right now. Pray for him. Even though we do not know him, GOD knows him, and we all need to lift one another in prayer...especially in times of need.

May we all be as diligent to witness as this young man, no matter the cost. We already stand in VICTORY!!!! CHRIST has already won it for us. We just need to believe and obey! There are many soul's going to the lake of fire, and because of fear of what man will do, most resist witnessing. The BIBLE says not to fear what man can do to the body, but to fear the ONE who can destroy both body and soul.

PRAISE GOD for those out there who are obedient no matter what. GOD Bless You Brother!

This video is alarming and should be taken seriously. Christians, we need to be witnessing to all who will hear. Muslims are no different, they need JESUS too, or they will face the wrath to come. I love the name of the person who submitted the video...friendofmuslim. Thank you, friendofmuslim for this eye opening video, and the reminder that they too need JESUS! We all need JESUS!!!

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you. I have found a very funny Christian comedian. His name is Tim Hawkins. If you have never seen or heard of him, I tell you, you are missing out. I bought his "Full Range of Motion" video and laughed all through it! This clip I am showing you here (His Favorite Bible Verse) is not from that video but of a concert he did and I have yet to find the name of the video it is on, but this is hilarious! Enjoy. Leave a comment if you like it.

On a personal note, I have a funny of my own. The other day my kids and I were sitting on the sofa watching cartoons when my six year old son stretched out, and his legs landed on me and his bone hit my shin bone and it really hurt! I screeched, " Ouch! That hurt Brandon!" He then said, " I was only stretching mom!" I replyed, "But you hurt me in the process!" Brandon then said, "Mom, where is your process?" LOL! LOL! LOL!!!

OUR PRESIDENT SAYS WE ARE NOT A CHRISTIAN NATION!!!!!!!!!!! HMMMMMMMM??

Do you know the Preamble for your state? . . .

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of ALMIGHTY GOD, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska , grateful to GOD and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our freedom...

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the SUPREME RULER of Universe...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of GOD in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through DIVINE GOODNESS all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their CREATOR according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of ALMIGHTY GOD, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for DIVINE GUIDANCE... Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the SUPREME BEING for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the civil, political and religious liberties..

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts of the goodness of the SOVEREIGN RULER of the Universe in affording us an opportunity... And imploring HIS aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We, the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the GREAT LEGISLATOR of the Universe In the course of HIS Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring HIS direction .

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to GOD for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings...

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD, and invoking HIS blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the SUPREME RULER of the Universe, and grateful for HIS goodness . Establish this Constitution...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution...

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our freedom, establish this Constitution...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship GOD according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for civil and religious liberty which HE hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to HIM for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the blessings of liberty...

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of ALMIGHTY GOD, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this...

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship ALMIGHTY GOD according to the dictates of their consciences...

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking HIS guidance...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the civil and religious liberty which HE hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to HIM for a blessing...

South Carolina, 1778 , Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to GOD for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for our civil and religious liberties

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship ALMIGHTY GOD according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of GOD.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natura l rights, and other blessings which the AUTHOR of EXISTENCE has bestowed on man.

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our CREATOR can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other.

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the SUPREME RULER of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution.

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through DIVINE PROVIDENCE we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon GOD...